5 for Friday (November 6)

This week's five most intriguing cinema releases...

Microbe & Gasoline 

What is it? Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind) returns with an intriguing coming-of-age tale, featuring two misfits (the titular Microbe and Gasoline) setting off on a journey across France in a bizarre vehicle they built themselves (pictured above). Audrey Tautou (Amélie) has a cameo as mother to one of the boys.

Where in the UK can I see it? It's only getting a limited cinema release but is out on DVD next month.

Critical consensus: M&G is 80 per cent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes suggesting a return to form for Gondry. Writing in the Guardian, Leslie Felperin said: "If this film were a person, you'd want to give it a big hug".

The Anarchists 
What is it? Police officer Tahar Rahim (A Prophet) goes undercover to infiltrate a group of anarchists in this period drama set in 1899 Paris. There he begins an affair with Adèle Exarchopoulos (Blue Is The Warmest Colour), the girlfriend of the anarchists' leader. 
Where in the UK can I see it? This is a case of 'blink and you'll miss it' - one-off screenings next week in London and Glasgow only. 
Critical consensus: There's only one review up on Rotten Tomatoes in which The List's Allan Hunter praises the film's cinematography and soundtrack but is less enthused by its "predictable story" and "perfunctory romance". Although it isn't mentioned on RT yet, the Guardian liked The Anarchists too, awarding the movie four stars.

He Named Me Malala 

What is it? Documentary portrait of Malala Yousafzai, who was badly wounded as a 15-year-old when Taliban gunmen opened fire on her school bus in Pakistan. Now resettled in the UK, Malala is the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize but campaigns for the rights of children worldwide. She's clearly an inspirational figure.

Where in the UK can I see it? It's nice to see a documentary getting a wide release for once.

Critical consensus: An inspiring 71 per cent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Writing in the Radio Times, Trevor Johnston called it: "A communicative, accessible and ultimately inspiring picture".

Brief Encounter (reissue)

What is it? David Lean and Noël Coward's classic drama of doomed romance celebrates its 70th anniversary with a return to cinemas (well, a few of them). Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson are both unhappily married to other people and meet in a railway station cafe every Thursday as their mutual - but forbidden - attraction grows. It won't just tug at your heartstrings so much as tear them out of your chest and show them to you. 

Where in the UK can I see it? It's being shown only in key cities, including London, Manchester and Bristol, for the next month or so.

Critical consensus: 89 per cent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Tim Robey said: "Lean paints heartbreak with perfect decorum".

Kill Your Friends 

What is it? '90s-set Britpop drama starring Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road) as a ruthless A&R man prepared to go to any lengths to get his next hit record. John Niven - whose original novel the film is based on - wrote the screenplay.

Where in the UK can I see it? It's getting a wide release so shouldn't be too difficult to track down.

Critical consensus: Owen Harris' film has had a bit of a critical mauling and is rated only 38 per cent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Writing in the Times, Wendy Ide called it "grubby and gruellingly mean-spirited".

Also in cinemas this week...

Brooklyn
Burnt
The Closer We Get
Ex-Files 2

Green Day - Heart Life A Hand Grenade

The Runner
The Sweet Escape
Scouts' Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse 

Tripura

Une Famille A Louer

UK box office top 10

1. Spectre
2. Hotel Transylvania 2
3. Pan
4. Paranormal Activity: Ghost Dimension
5. Suffragette
6. The Martian
7. The Last Witch Hunter
8. Inside Out
9. Crimson Peak

10. The Lobster

US box office top 10

1. The Martian
2. Goosebumps
3. Bridge of Spies
4. Hotel Transylvania 2
5. The Last Witch Hunter
6. Burnt
7. Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension
8. Our Brand Is Crisis
9. Crimson Peak
10. Steve Jobs